Chapter 168: Childhood Shadows
Alejandro appeared just as gentle and likable as usual. It seemed that when he saw Martina, his heart was filled with happiness. Such genuine happiness and joy couldn't be concealed, only someone who sincerely felt that way could lead to the following situations.
"Hi, Miss Martinez. My sister must have caused you trouble again. Please accept my apology," Alejandro said without even asking what the two of them had been up to. He instinctively made that assumption that it was Elena who caused trouble, showing a lack of confidence in her.
Elena dared to be angry but not to explain. Indeed, she was fearless in every situation except when it came to her brother? Even if her parents got angry and threatened to break her legs, it was just empty words. But if she upset her brother, he was capable of actually doing it!
Similar situations had occurred during Elena's childhood, and now that they were grown up, this had become a psychological shadow for her. Naturally, she felt scared.
"Oh, it's getting late. How about we head home first? I really just went out with Martina for a late-night snack. If you don't believe me, you can ask her!" Elena said.
Anticipating that Alejandro might ask, Martina prepared herself to fabricate a small white lie. Sometimes, a harmless lie could benefit everyone, especially if it meant protecting her best friend from another scolding. Fortunately, nothing significant occurred today, and even if they didn't bid proper goodbyes, it wouldn't create much trouble for Elena.
"Yes, Alejandro, we just went out for eating. If there's any issue, please don't argue with Elena. I'll try not to do this again in the future," Martina added.
The expected angry expression from Alejandro didn't appear. He remained as gentle as ever. "It's okay, I trust you both. I only asked because I find my sister a bit unpredictable, and I sensed the smell of alcohol on her. But I didn't mean anything else."
Martina laughed along, "Since everything is fine, that's good. It's getting late, and I should go back. You guys should head home and rest too. See you tomorrow."
As Martina was about to leave, Alejandro suddenly called out, "Miss Martinez."
Martina turned to look at him, trying not to show any emotion on her face so as not to cause any trouble for Elena. "Yes. Anything else?"
Alejandro shook his head, his gaze appearing sincere, as if there were no ulterior motives, and he was genuinely speaking. "Nothing. But I am wondering if you remember our agreement from the last time we met on the plane. You know I just came back, so..." Alejandro's gaze shifted slightly. "How about we have a meal together tomorrow? I also have something to discuss with you."
Something to discuss? If there was something to talk about with Martina, it must be related to painting. Martina was momentarily stunned because she hadn't received any indication of cooperation from Elena before.
Elena was shocked too. The slight drunkenness in her seemed to have completely disappeared at this moment. She was completely sobered up by the sudden turn of events. "What? Why do you need to discuss the cooperation privately? Why haven't you mentioned it before? Are you planning to do something to me secretly during this time?"
"I'm sorry, can't that be enough? I promise I'll change, and I won't go out so late anymore. Please don't treat me like this, okay? I'm scared..." Elena pleaded.
It seemed that the psychological shadow caused by the previous incident was indeed substantial. Even Martina couldn't bear to listen to it.
At the same time, Martina also knew that since Alejandro brought up the topic, it couldn't be just a joke; he must have some serious thoughts behind it.
"If you really have any plans, just let me know. I'll find some time tomorrow, and we can talk while having a meal," Martina said.
Alejandro nodded, and his mood seemed to improve, "Alright, it's settled then. Tomorrow, I'll contact you separately to arrange the time."
At this moment, Benjamin hadn't initially planned to get off the car since he didn't feel familiar with these people and didn't see any point in staying out to increase the awkwardness. However, after waiting for such a long time without Martina's return, he started to feel a bit annoyed.
Unnoticed by everyone, he got off the car. He then firmly embraced Martina's waist while Martina and Alejandro were chatting happily.
Feeling Martina's slender and soft waist, an unusual feeling arose in his heart, but he didn't show any signs of it on the surface.
"What are you talking about?" Benjamin asked.
Martina knew without even looking back who it was, and her mouth opened a bit but didn't answer right away. She didn't try to break free intentionally because she understood that Benjamin's current behavior was due to his dissatisfaction. If she were to expose anything, it would only make things worse.
She looked up at the man beside her, acknowledging his high attractiveness. "Why did you get off the car? Weren't you saying you didn't want to earlier?"
At this moment, Martina's eyes seemed to see only Benjamin. He was quite pleased with this change because it indicated that she still had feelings for him, or else she wouldn't be acting this way.
"I've been waiting for you for a long time, but you didn't come back. So I wanted to come and see. What are you guys talking about?" Benjamin spoke as gently as possible, though it was mostly a pretense. But when it came to pretending in front of Martina, he was more than willing to play along.
Martina shook her head, "It's nothing important, just discussing a potential collaboration. It's getting late, let's head back."
However, Benjamin was persistent; his sixth sense told him that Alejandro had no good intentions.
Why else would Alejandro keep getting close to his woman repeatedly? It couldn't be just a coincidence.
Benjamin took a more domineering approach and wrapped his arm firmly around Martina's shoulder, appearing seamless and assertive. He looked at Alejandro and said, "I wonder what you need to collaborate with Martina for. Why don't you talk to me instead? I have the best team."